PIKE COUNTY, PA — According to the National Council on Aging, one in 10 Americans aged 60 and older has experienced elder abuse in one form or another. At their meeting on Wednesday, June 16, the Pike County Commissioners made a motion to recognize older individuals facing abuse and neglect.

In recognizing June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, commissioner Steve Guccini read from a statement: “Our elders, parents, extended family, friends and community members deserve our respect, support, attention and protection as they age. This is one day set aside to remind us that we must protect our older Pennsylvanians from neglect and abuse every day.”

“We, the board of commissioners of the County of Pike, recognize the Older Adults Protective Services staff of the Pike County Area Agency on Aging and further recognize the elder abuse task force of Pike County for continued advocacy for education, prevention and promotion of adult protective services resources in the community,” read Guccini.

Abuse reports can be made on the behalf of an older adult whether the individual lives in their home or a care facility by calling the Pennsylvania Department on Aging 24-hour statewide abuse reporting hotline. Reporters can remain anonymous and are entitled to protection from retaliation or any type of attempted prosecution.

According to the PA Department on Aging, common signs of elder abuse are isolation, weight loss, bruises or broken bones, increased confusion, unusual withdrawals from any account and signing over one’s home to another.

If you have experienced elder abuse or know an individual that may be experiencing it, call the hotline at 800/490-8505